Good morning Readers

Today we are going to talk a little about Lateral Epicondylitis, also known as Tennis Elbow.

Epicondylitis is a pain, inflammation or even a wear that affects the tendons of the elbow muscles, which originates in the epicondyles. Epicondyles are the bony protrusions at the end of the arm bone, the humerus.

The most common symptoms of epicondylitis are: pain or sensivity over the lateral epicondyle, which radiate along the extensor muscles, reaching up to the wrist, pain that is aggravated by small movements of the elbow, which can disturb and impair the performance of common activities, such as brushing your teeth, opening a door, writing or lifting a full glass.

For Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is no specific syndrome to explain the appearance of lateral epicondylitis, and it may be just a muscle involvement or even a Liver imbalance, failing in the nutrition of the tendons.

To find out if the Liver is affected, it is necessary for the acupuncturist to evaluate other symptoms in the patient. Cramps, dry eyes, brittle nails and pallor on the side of the tongue are some examples. If the therapist concludes that there is a Deficiency of Liver Blood, some points such as LR8, LR3 and a combination of points that tone the blood, such as ST36, SP6, PC6 and CV4 are indicated, in addition to local points that will directly relieve symptoms of the patient.

There is also the possibility that the patient does not suffer from any Liver energy imbalance, having only one muscle injury due to direct trauma or overuse. In these cases, we can use Tendinomuscular Meridians, which have no connection with the internal organs, but have the ability to deflame the muscles and tendons.

Another option to treat lateral epicondylitis, in addition to the tendinomuscular points, is the use of local points, such as LI11, LU5, PC3, SJ10 or even the application of dry needling in the trigger points that eventually appear in the region.

The trigger point that commonly appears in cases of epicondylitis is the trigger point of the Brachioradial muscle. Deep needling in this region with the needle facing the elbow joint will instantly relieve the pain.

Other resources such as cupping and Gua Chá, made with light pressure, just to improve blood supply and drain inflammation or even direct or indirect moxa can be applied.

Guiding the patient to use magnets on the local pain will also speed up recovery.

For Chinese Medicine, the combination of available techniques is capable of improving 100% cases of epicondylitis.

Practice and tell me later.

A big hug to everyone.

Profa. Fernanda Mara